8.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,324.00
Average Mileage:
96,478 miles
Number of complaints:
145 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (53 reports)
- complete rebuild (41 reports)
- new tranmission (29 reports)
- ford needs to recall their faulty transmission (12 reports)
- new solenoid, pistol in tranny broken (6 reports)
- o/d light.... check engine light (3 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer o/d light is blinking
2009Jun 18
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Great add me to the list of people with this piece of crap SUV. Transmission totally trashed.Going to cost me over $2000 to get one rebuilt.This is the second explorer
I have owned. The first one was a 1998 XLT. I never had any problems with. Traded
it in for the 2002 when it reached 100,000 miles.Maybe I should have kept it!!!!!!
2009Jun 11
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 107,497 miles
We purchased this vehicle in January and have already put close to $10,000 into this vehicle. This month, the day before we were to take in for an oil change, the OD light started blinking. The next day, we find out we need to have the transmission re-built - cost $3800. This vehicle seems to have all the "typical" Explorer problems - the back panel is split, the seat belt/air bag light is permanently on, the power steering pump is laboring, it clunks when it is put into reverse . . . the list goes on and on. Sure wish we checked out this site before we got this vehicle. It really is a piece of &^^%%%*#()) - it has cost us a bundle -which we don't have. How do you get rid of an awful vehicle - sure don't want to pass these problems onto someone else!!!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 06
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,500 miles
I just had to replace the bands in my 02 explorer transmission. Cost me $1600. I have talked to others and did my research and found out many others have had this problem. The overdrive light flashes and the rpm and the mph don't match up and the car has trouble kicking into gear. Also, many explorers i see have a crack under the back windshield. It is a straight line and all in the same place. We should get a class action lawsuit to get resolution.
2009Jun 07
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,014 miles
O/D light blinking! Trans. rebuild at 34K, 47K, 57K and other related malfunctions in between directly caused from faulty repairs at the dealership. Independent trans. shop now on top of the situation. Only cost around $400.00 this time. Lucky for me the owner knew about some type of fix for the torque converter melt down that caused the OD light to blink this time. Looking for more problems.
2009May 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,137 miles
i was in my way to Jordan ( from Riyadh ) then the o/d off light start to blink i contact the dealer and he told me to turn off the truck for about 15 minute when it comes after 4 hours the transition oil started to fall on the street and the car stopped i returned to Riyadh then my car returned with warranty service .
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 06
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
Ford lost another customer when my transmission went out like SO MANY others. I still owe more than the POS is worth but am wondering if it wouldn't be worth it just to let someone else have the headaches. In two and a half years I've replaced both rear wheel bearings,one front hub and had to replace the 4 wheel drive module @ $200.00 before 75000 miles Now the transmission is going fast. I really hope Ford realizes how this affects their future. If a class action suit starts count me in. That's all I really want to deal with Ford about from now on.
2009May 22
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
After getting the oil changed and the steering fluid replaced, the o/d off light started blinking on and off. Went to a Ford dealer and they said it was a solenoid problem that would cost $1200 to fix. Went to a reputable repair shop and said the transmission needed to be replaced for $2400-2800. Strange, as I didn't notice any change in the performance of the car (although I had noticed that there was something strange with the shifting from 3rd gear from the moment the car was purchased at 50,000 miles). Is it unsafe to still drive this car without getting it fixed?
2009May 29
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
the same problem as everyone else. O/D light starting blinking, the trans. slipped. $2,200 later, a complete rebuild later, truck is back on the road. I contacted ford about this problem. FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT.
2009Feb 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Here's my response from Ford about my earlier complaint .....
We have reviewed the situation, and unfortunately, there are no warranties, Field Service Actions/Customer Satisfaction Programs on your vehicle that would provide assistance for this repair. However, we do suggest that the repair be done by a Ford/Lincoln-Mercury dealership where the technicians are trained to put your vehicle back into factory specifications, and any Ford covered parts replaced will come with a 12 months/12,000 miles warranty.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 19
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
I bought this car new in 2001. I now have 111,000 miles and the O/D light is blinking and the check engine light will come on as well. I have it in the shop right now, but, based on what I've seen so far, it looks like its going to be expensive. Wish there was a cheaper solution to fix this car. I might be able to get $2500 on a trade in as is. IF I go and fix it for big money, $2300 or so, then I'm just throwing money away. Not good, really not good!
2008Jul 11
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
First the transmission past warranty, then both back springs snapped in half 2 months later, and now the rear bearings went while I was going 50 mph on the highway and was all over the two lanes and was able to pullover without any contact with any other car. My wife and I can't afford to fix these problems right now so we will have to go back to using one vehicle.
2009May 14
Explorer XLS 4.0l
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
While going across an intersection,on a highway the o/d light started blinking and the transmission quit working.Their was an semi coming who had to slam on his brakes and swerve off the road to avoid killing me and my children.Had diagnostics ran and came back with codes #po733 and #po745, intermediate bands are screwed the transmission needs rebuilt,
THEIR IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THESE
2009Mar 30
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,089 miles
I also bought a 2002 ford explorer with 19,000 miles on it also thinking what a great deal I have had the truck for 3 years it now has 76,000 miles on it.
The check engine light has been coming on and the O/D light will start blinking I tow a boat so I took it to a transmission shop they said it was very common for this to happen with the year of truck that I have. They said the cause was servo piston bore what ever that means they also said that if I don’t repair it for $2,400.00 that the lights will continue to come on and the truck will continue to slip.
The other weird thing is I'll be driving and I hear a ding you know the sound you have when you leave your keys in the truck but I'm driving my truck when this happens and the door lock will go off like I'm locking the doors.
I really love my truck the body is in excellent shape I still owe on my truck so buying something new isn’t an option. The sad thing is I tow a boat every weekend and I’m worried that something might happen.
2009Apr 30
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
We bought a 2002 ford explorer with 19,000 miles on it. thought we were getting a good deal, but turned out to be a headache. The dealership we bought it from is no help at all for any problem we had with the truck and we had a few. This last problem is the O/D light blinking. The cost to fix the trans is $3200. They said we lost 2nd and 5th gear??? where did we lose it???
2009Apr 28
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 105,662 miles
just like the other people same problem o/d light flashing and check engine light on. went to a transmission specialist he said common problem on this vehicle and a tranny rebuild on the order of $1500-$2500. I would like to get rid of the vehicle but other than the transmission problem, I still owe on the vehicle it still in good condition ford needs to step up to the plate and fix this known problem for free and stand behind their product
2009Mar 28
Explorer LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
The O/D light is blinking in my 2002 Ford Explorer. Ford should do something about it. I will NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN!
2009Feb 27
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 59,543 miles
READ THIS!!!
Took a look at this website when my transmission gave out a couple of months ago, thought i was going to need a new tranny ($4,000). I put it off because i did not have the money to pay for it up front... I finally brought it to ford this week and told them my problem. THEY RETURNED THE CAR NEXT DAY, ford developed a computer upgrade to fix this problem ( LOST GEARS, O/D FLASHING, HARSH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND DRIVE). My Explorer now runs better than ever... ONLY $200... posted this to help people out...
READ THIS!!!
2009Apr 06
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 139,469 miles
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with an automatic transmission that is going bad. I see that this is a common issue and Ford is fully aware of the faulty product they've sold. One day the car is fine and the next day my light when on - out of the blue. I didn’t know there was a problem until my O/D off light is blinking & the service engine soon light is always on. Plus, CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT is also lit up. This all happened with absolutely NO warning. I feel the car is dangerous to drive and am not sure what I am going to do....except I know I cannot drive it anymore. I have three young children that are in this truck all the time. This truck is just trash. I've only made a few payments on it and now it's going to cost me over $3,000 to repair, which is almost what the car is worth at this point. I was always one to stick up for American cars but Ford is really making it hard to do anymore.
I wish I knew about all the 2002 Ford Explorers are having this issue before I bought it. Let me say, I can't believe there has been this many problems with the Ford Explorer Transmissions. I thought I just had bad luck until finding the “AUTO BEEF COMPLAINT” web site! I will say that this Ford is the FIRST and LAST I will ever own. There will not be a problem about leaving it behind.
If you do an internet search there are THOUSANDS of people with this SAME EXACT issue. Some vehicles report as low as 20,000 miles when the transmission fails. Ford should be held responsible for putting transmissions that are obviously FAULTY. Read the thousands of complaints out there from the hard working people who use to trust Ford. I think the Ford Explorer has been the #1 selling SUV in America for years! I really can't understand why. And with selling that many vehicles, if you where Ford and you ever had a major engine or transmission issue of course you wouldn't admit it, they would be out of business.
But FORD says it's not a safety issue. I am so outraged by the number of complaints for the same thing, how can they turn theirs heads and say that it’s not a safety issue. There are too many complaints about this problem…and it costs too much to fix. I still owe $7,000 on my vehicle. I also will never buy another Ford. I have been reading hundreds of the same problems and Ford will not contact these owners and attempt to correct such an injustice.
Ford knows of this problem. Bye-Bye Ford---I will trade this truck in and buy a Chevy, Dodge, GMC or Toyota. Ford doesn’t think they have any obligation or responsibility for the truck because it is no longer under warranty. But they made a defective product and now they should take responsibility for it…what’s wrong with this picture? You would think Ford would have some integrity and do an automatic recall instead of giving people a line, of whatever you want to call it.
After reviewing the customer problems with this truck I wish I did my homework because I would never had bought it. Ford needs to realize that the transmissions in this year are a piece of crap & they need to step up to the plate & reimburse ALL of us. I plan on taking further legal action if nothing does get done about this problem. I hope other owners will do the same.
I wrote and complained to Ford (pretty much as I wrote here, but nicer). Here is there reply...
"Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the transmission concern on your 2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. We understand how frustrating this experience has been for you. However, we have reviewed your situation, and there are no warranties, recalls or customer satisfaction programs on your vehicle that would provide assistance for this repair. Furthermore, Ford and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) work together to proactively identify areas of concern through investigation of consumer and dealer feedback. During an investigation Ford cooperates fully with NHTSA. Ford does not speculate on the outcome of any current investigation or future actions. Due to our rigorous safety standards and constant testing, not all issues result in Field Service Actions or Customer Satisfaction Programs. If a concern is noted, a recall is conducted to remedy a safety or emissions concern in the interest of customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Field Service Actions or recalls are released to ensure the appropriate corrections are performed promptly by an authorized Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Ford will notify customers by mail if a program is announced on a specific component.
Sometimes e-mail communication does not allow us to gain additional information that may be helpful in responding to your inquiry. Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your questions, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, local time, Monday through Friday. Hearing-impaired callers with access to a TDD may contact 1-800-232-5952. Please provide your 10 digit reference number - 1522711049.
Sincerely,
Julie
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company"
2009Apr 12
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
Well I get to join the group of angry Ford owners!!!! My truck started with the blinking O/D light and then the service engine light started flashing. The dealer says we need to rebuild the transmission, which sucks but is necessary if i want to continue driving. If enough people CALL THEIR DEALERSHIPS with the problem Ford will eventually (that being the key word) have to fix.
2009Apr 09
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 131,000 miles
First it was my rear end that has been whining and vibrating everytime I make a turn at slow speeds. Now my overdriver light is blinking like crazy and the transmission isn't shifting right. It shifts really hard and makes a loud clunk when it goes into great. These explorers should have been called exploders, because thats all they do. I will never buy another Ford Explorer. I love the layout of the vehicle and the way it rides and drives, but if the drive train is made of pot metal, then it wont do you any good to sit in the seat and grip the steering wheel. Don't buy an explorer. Ford doesn't honor the lemon law on these cars.
2009Apr 06
Explorer V8
- Manual transmission
- 108,000 miles
My Explorer will not even move now and the o/d light will not shut off. It just keeps blinking. Any ideas?
2009Apr 01
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Second time with this problem. First occurred @ 50k miles. Last time it was only $1000 to replace valve in transmission. This time I need a complete rebuild. I have owed 3 explorers since 1992. The other two were junked because of transmission problems even though the engines were still running in good condition. Will never buy a ford again!
2009Mar 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 132,000 miles
O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING. IT IS ANNOYING. PLUS MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT. IF I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, IT WILL LOCK UP. ALSO WHEN I TAKE OFF, I NOTICE WHEN I FIRST TAKE OFF, I NOTICE A SLIGHT HESITATION LIKE THE RIGHT REAR END IS SLIPPING. ALL IN ALL THE VEHICLE SUCKS.
2009Mar 23
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,700 miles
I am in the same boat as all these other folks. WOW what a help it has been reading these posts. The numbers are staggering! My O/D light is lighting up like a disco ball. From reading these posts I have come to find out that it is a transmission problem. I bought my Explorer used at 75,000 miles in April 2008. She runs well, but now at 92,700, this problem has arose.
Today I took it to the repair shop at the dealership where I purchased it. I have an extended care warranty that SHOULD cover this, and I am waiting for them to get back to me. The only thing I am concerned with is, according to folks on here, I might experience this problem again in about 30,000 miles. By then, watch....the warranty will be expired! THEN I WILL BE REALLY PISSED!!!!!!! On the Carfax report it stated this was a Rental Fleet vehicle which under normal circumstances they are extremely well-maintained. So I felt good about that. Only other problem that I see with this truck is a "Door Ajar" light when no door is ajar! I hope and pray that I have no more problems with a rebuilt transmission until I am able to purchase another vehicle.
Everyone out there wish me luck!!!!!!
2009Mar 23
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
As I was taking my car back to an independent dealer for another issue with my rear bearings/hubs, my check transmission message came on and my O/D light was flashing. Good thing I made it to the shop, seen as the car would not shift hardly at all between 2nd & 3rd gear and again at higher speeds. I had my 2 year old son in the car and it was quite a tricky situation here in Las Vegas...trying not to get run over!
My independent repair shop gave me the 2 codes that the computer was showing which was P0733 & P0745 (which is the solenoid issue). They quoted low of $2,100 up to $3,000 to fix. I read another website and they said that you can call Ford on their toll free customer service number and open a complaint and they may do a "goodwill repair". Since I cannot get my car to the Ford dealer, I would have to have it towed and who knows what they would charge. I will just follow up with a letter and a call to the NHTSA. I would recommend others to call Ford at (800) 392-3673 and file a report and the NHTSA. This is the only way things will get better.
2009Mar 22
Explorer Sport 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
I have owned my 2002 Ford Explorer now for 4 years and have never had a problem until this week. This car is only used 1 mile each way to and from work then parked all day and all weekends...so tell me FORD how the hell do I manage to get my transmission all screwed up? Solenoid my ass! Even if it's the solenoid pack, you still need to open the transmission to fix it. Guess what? $2,300 down the drain.....no wonder US auto makers need a bailout. You should try hiring the Japanese to make your cars.
MY NEXT CAR WILL NOT BE AN AMERICAN ONE!
2008Aug 08
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 155,000 miles
We purchased a Fleet owned 2002 Ford Explorer XLT in December 2004 -It had roughly 40,000 miles on it when purchased. Noted the blinking O/D light when driving home..called the dealership and they offered to take care of the problem-which was a tranny problem..WHEW! and the problem fixed and no further problems until August 2008 -had 142,000 miles on it -OD light started blinking, took to repair shop and was told needed a new transmission or rebuild..we went with a rebuild cost 2k....! Now 7 months later 155,000 miles and OD light flashing again-this time diagnostics reveal solenoid pack issue .. Frustrating ... lucky for us the folks who did the rebuild are willing to replace solenoid cheaply.....! They did advise us to start looking for something else -at their shop they call ALL Explorers- EXPLODERS..They have seen problem after problem with the FORD brand transmissions...
2009Mar 20
Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
this sucks. ford should fix the junk of a trans. problem started with no warning and bam 2000 to fix it. this should be a recall. does anyone know any updates from ford about this.
everything else is great on the car but the trans. bought a limited edition and now stuck with paying for this crap. wont shift from second into 3rd.
2009Mar 20
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
NEVER BUY A FORD EXPLORER, OR A FORD PERIOD! HAD SERIOUS PROBLEMS LAST YEAR WITH ABS LIGHT ON, BEARINGS, ETC. ETC. NOW, YESTERDAY THE O/D LIGHT SUDDENLY COMES ON AND CANNOT STOP BLINKING AND CAR DRIVES BAD, PULLING, BUMPING. HORRENDOUS AND THEY ARE GETTING BAILOUT MONEY?? IT IS REALLY A REWARD FOR FORD'S FAILURE
2009Feb 02
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 128,000 miles
Had a 2002 Ford Explorer, which has never gone off-road, mostly just highway miles. OD light sometimes would be blinking, but would go away after turning vehicle off and on again. Then, I heard a knocking sound under the rear of the vehicle, which became more frequent, until now i can't drive without it occurring often. I called the dealer and they said it might be transmission, or just some bearings that needed to be replaced. This is a car that's been regularly maintained at the dealership itself. I despised trying to spend money on a major repair that would cost more than the car itself, so I drove the car to a Toyota dealership and traded it in for a RAV4. There is a significant quality gap between Ford or any American brand compared to a Honda or Toyota. There's a whole lot of minor problems that I had with the Explorer that I didn't mention because they were tolerable but I will NEVER buy a Ford again.
2009Feb 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Here's my submission to Ford ...
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with an automatic transmission that is going bad. I see that this is a common issue and Ford is fully aware of the faulty product they've sold. How do I get some assistance with this problem at a local Ford dealership?
Is there a class action lawsuit in the works for this yet? If so, how do I become a part of it. If not, how do I start one?
Sent it via this link:
https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues
2009Mar 13
Explorer LX V8
- Automatic transmission
- 76,150 miles
I have viewed several websites now with people having the same issue. WE NEED TO STAND UP AND FIGHT THIS ISSUE WITH FORD. EVERYONE NEEDS TO VISIT NHTSA WEBSITE AND FILE A COMPLAINT! If we stick together everyone should get this issue resolved through Ford!
2009Jan 04
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
I think it stinks that the trans is so bad. There's no question Ford knew about this problem shortly after the car was on the market. I bought the car used from a BMW dealer who knew so much about explorers' and after paying thousands of dollars, 4 months later I have to rebuild the Trans. The economy stinks, I'm out of work and money, and the billionaires at ford couldn't give a s*$t! Now I know why everybody hates Ford. I feel like Ive been assaulted.
2009Jan 30
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 165,000 miles
My O/D off light is blinking & the service engine soon light is always on. This all happened with absolutely NO warning. We took it to a garage where they said it was code p0745 pressure solenoid malfunction which will probably cost about $2500.00 to fix. This isn't the only problem we have had with this piece of sh*t either. 2 years after we bought it, we had to replace a wheel bearing and caliper that cost about $900.00, and to top it off it happened while we were on vacation. Then about a year after that, I went to drive it one day, and it made this horrible grinding noise and it was hard to turn the steering wheel. So we AGAIN, took it to a ford dealership and they said it was the transfer case shift motor and 4WD control module. Well $600.00 later after replacing those 2 parts, the piece of sh*t still isn't fixed so we drive with the 4wd unplugged. WE WILL NEVER OWN FORD AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
2009Feb 13
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,204 miles
I own a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT... And never F*CKING buying American Again!!
My O/D Light came on and so did my Service Engine Light. I pulled the code (p0775) Which Means... ** The PCM has detected a malfunction in pressure control solenoid B** Which I was told 2 different diagnosis. 1st. I needed to replace the solenoid pack in the Transmission. 2nd. The Transmission was slipping in 5th gear causing the O/D & Check Engine Light to appear.
I was told that the best bet was to do a tranny over haul which costs about $$2,300 est.. Times are hard these days!! Like who really has $$ 2,300 to spend??!!!!! The local tranny shop says he does about 15 tranny jobs a year on 2002 to 2004 Explorers. I have a Honda that went 289,000 miles before the tranny went. And American Car Companies want us to bail them out.. Let THEM F*CKING ROT!!
2009Jan 18
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,321 miles
As most of the people on here started with the O/D light flashing and then the check engine light with the 2/5 code, which means 2nd and 5th gear is shot. Don't wait to take it in as your solenoid can pressurize to the max and blow a hole in your case which is more money. Local transmission shop did it for $1,400 not including tax, that was a complete rebuild everything included. The owner said he does about 3-7 a month and it is a common problem. He also said the transmission is basically the same from the old 1980's Pinto with some modifications.. I guess the transmission and the wheel bearings seem to be a common problem on the explorer.
2009Feb 10
Explorer 3.2lV6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I can not believe that I have to pay out over 2800.00 to have the transmission rebuilt with only 60,000 miles. I have always kept the maintenance up on this Explorer. I truly believe that if Fords wants to stay in business with our tax dollars, that they should reimburse us with this excessive repair bill, and or totally recall the 2002 Explorers, for the o/d light and the bad transmissions.
2008Jun 06
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
my explorer is broke but i love it help me o/d light is flashing wont go into high gear and it shifts funny form 2nd to 3rd and it also jerks funny at around 70mph
2009Jan 30
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
o/d light is blinking, check engine soon light also on, mechanic says codes read multiple things wrong. took it to a transmission shop,waiting to hear, but expecting the worst. it is totally wrong that a transmission breaks down after 55000 miles. Ford should be held accountable. that's why american auto makers are in such financial trouble. they can't build a reliable car that can at least go 100,000 miles without major repairs
2009Jan 07
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,300 miles
Seems we have joined a long and distinguished list of 02 transmission problems. Went looking around google to find any info on the symptoms and found this site. We have experienced the EXACT same issues all have outlined and have calls into independent repair shops to avoid going to the dealer...in these times, no cars selling...the only way they can make any money is in the Service Center.
I filed a complaint with NHTSA this afternoon with a link to this site so they can see the magnitude of the issue. Imagine the amount of people who have not gone through the process of finding a site for information and thus have not posted here! It is a travesty that Ford has not stood by their problems. This is the third Explorer we've had and the other two were outstanding. We toyed with purchasing a Jeep back in 2002 because of the price but were scared off by the repair and reliability issues...pretty funny today! Please complain to the NHTSA...the more people who bring the issue to light the better chance Ford might actually own up to their design issues and help their customers!
2008Dec 11
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Without warning (of course!) the O/D Off lamp started flickering and the CHECK TRANSMISSION message displayed in the display. I TOOK IT TOO A FORD DEALER IN CENTERLINE , MI AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT MY TRANSMISSION BUT MY PCM SO I GET A NEW ONE AND THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 3 WEEKS AND IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT IS A WIRING PROBLEM AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE BAD Wire.
2008Nov 01
Explorer EB 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
O/D off blinking just bought vehicle 3 mos. ago. everything else is great but now that ive seen the complaints here it makes me nervous. haven't taken it in yet but would like to know if something is going to be done by ford or how to find out about a law suit. i chose this over a 1999 toyota 4 runner and thought i made a good choice......... well sh*t guess i thought wrong.
2008Dec 12
Explorer 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
This car is a piece of garbage. I've only owned it 6 years and now it's costing me over $3000 to repair, which is almost what the car is worth at this point. I was always one to stick up for American cars, having family who works for Ford, but I'm never buying American again. My next car will be a Honda or a Toyota.
2008Dec 18
Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,700 miles
Without warning (of course!) the O/D Off lamp started flickering and the CHECK TRANSMISSION message displayed in the display. I was able to drive home, but the next day the transmission was definitely slipping and having problems on the less than two mile drive to the dealer. The mechanic drove it around the auto center with the comment "Wow, this transmission is really messed up!" and it needs to be completely replaced with bands worn out and debris from the self-destructing transmission finishing the job. This was the first site found in a search of 2002 explorer transmission problems and what a doosy it is.
2008Dec 08
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
I replaced my Transmission in 2005 at that time I had 90,000 miles on the truck. Now here we go again after putting a brand new transmission in this truck, it needs another one. I am totally annoyed. Of course, the truck is out of warranty!!! I am totally disgusted!
2008Dec 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Tiptronic transmission
- 119,000 miles
Here is a little link to ford motor company. They would like to know how you feel about there vehicals. Let'em have it. I did.................https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues
2008Nov 26
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 168,900 miles
Okay, I haven't taken it to get fixed yet, and quite frankly, I am scared to death now - $2400.00 is the typical repair cost??!!! HOLY COW!
So I am taking it to the transmission shop tomorrow morning, I guess.... I am going to hope and pray that it will not cost an arm and a leg but we shall see.... I will update this later when I find out the repair cost!!!
2008Dec 07
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 108,999 miles
Just came on today so I am reading about all these complaints on the same problem.
We already got a new rebuilt tranny at 85k, dealer warranted this one until 100K. Course that's passed now.
Also plastic body under the rear window cracked [split] recently for the 2nd time, Dealer claims we hit it or slam the window closed too hard. BS, why do they use plastic body panel there.
2007Mar 08
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,500 miles
I have been a Ford person for some 25 years (other than a Corvette and Camaro for a hobby car). So I am not givving up on Ford because of this one FIASCO. My transmission has been blinking the OD light for almost 2 years now. I always have to let off the gas or it will not shift from 1st to 2nd. Ford wants 4500 to rebuild the transmission(That is crazy). I did get a friend to replace the PCB solenoid body that the PO775 code said was bad. But that was a waste of 700.00. After much research I have what I believe to be the problem. It is the Front OD Servo. I just need to find the information to get this done or find a reputable transmission dealer who will not rape me. I love ford I just hate the dealers!!!!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Dec 19
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
Add me to the list. Transmission started slipping and then skipping 3rd gear and wont go into overdrive. Took it to two transmission places and both places said it was going to cost over 2 grand to fix the problem with a complete overhaul. Now I dont know what to do. I have called multiple dealers to see what they would give me for trade in value and the best offer I have had is 1,000 dollars. I still owe 5,000 on this peice of crap. I have called Ford only to find out that there is no recall and their answer was they could find me a close certified Ford dealer for me to take it to to have it fixed. Ford has left me with no choice but to buy a used transmission for it and trade it in ASAP. I feel awful for the next poor person that purchases it but I dont know what else to do. The rear end is starting to whine and its next to go. Im not putting anymore money into this sinking ship. As for Ford, you just lost another costumer! >: I
Shane M.
Bates City, MO, USA
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